About

Maintaining the National Security of the United States is increasingly dependent on rapid development and implementation of disruptive technology. Texas has thriving technology and innovation centers, a long-established military presence, and a climate of patriotism. These attributes have made our Lone Star a cradle for a new defense innovation ecosystem, including government customers and strategists, defense industry partners and developers, research and academic institutions, and technology entrepreneurs working to solve wicked military problems.

Our Mission

Texas Defense Innovation Forum provides a curated community of practice to the Texas defense innovation enterprise through education, outreach, networking, and business development opportunities. TDIF enables its membership to solve complex National Security problems while maximizing economic opportunity for Texas businesses.

What does TDIF membership entail?

Be a part of the ecosystem. Attend events to network with TDIF members and defense industry stakeholders and become part of a broader effort to ensure the US National Security Enterprise innovates at the “speed of relevance.”

Continuous learning. TDIF events will provide updates on developments of interest to defense innovators, including government revenue streams; focused events on relevant technologies such as AI, robotics, or med-tech; and exposure to the unique challenges DoD capability developers are facing.

Connect with potential partners. Gain exposure to potential decision-makers, customers, clients, investors, and partners to help you win business and perform.

Kevin Landtroop is a cross-functional leader and entrepreneur with 20 years of operations and legal experience in National Security. He currently serves as Managing Director at Grayline Defense and as a Venture Partner (Defense Innovation) at Capital Factory.﻿ Kevin has held leadership and strategy positions at nearly every level within the Army. He simultaneously served as Director of Operations and Director of Plans, Capabilities, and Strategy for the Army Reserve Legal Command, (the DoD’s largest legal organization).

﻿Dr. Conover is the founder of Practical Scientific Solutions, Inc., a U.S. military contractor and consultant. As a co-founder of the Texas Defense Innovation Forum (TDIF), Dr. Conover intends to connect with the many players in the central Texas innovation ecosystem. TDIF is currently focused on enabling industry and academic successes in association with the Army Futures Command.

Chris has recently joined BAE Systems as Director of Army Programs – Army Futures Command. He served 27 years in the US Army commanding at multiple levels. His assignments included several years in the Combat Training Centers (NTC & JMRC), III Corps and Fort Hood Headquarters, and Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR).